Two Greek shipowners have placed fresh orders in China as Hengli Heavy Industries continues to build its orderbook with European tonnage.
The Dalian-based shipyard confirmed contracts for five bulk carriers worth around $211m from US-listed Seanergy Maritime and Eastern Mediterranean Maritime (Eastmed).
Seanergy, led by chief executive Stamatis Tsantanis, has signed its first-ever shipbuilding contract, marking a major step in its fleet renewal strategy. The capesize specialist has ordered a single 181,000 dwt unit at Hengli, its first move into newbuildings after years of focusing on secondhand purchases. Delivery details and price were not disclosed.
The deal follows a series of disposals by Seanergy, which has sold four capes built between 2009 and 2011 this year as part of a gradual modernisation drive. The company’s fleet now stands at 20 ships 18 capesizes and two newcastlemaxes with an average age of about 14 years.
Hengli said the newbuild forms part of a wider five-ship order package that also includes four kamsarmax bulkers for Eastmed, the diversified owner led by Thanasis Martinos.
Eastmed, which controls nearly 80 vessels across multiple segments, returned to the bulker newbuilding market after almost a decade in late 2023 with four ultramaxes ordered at Nantong Xiangyu. The new kamsarmax contract marks its first large bulker order at Hengli.
The twin Greek deals come as Hengli cements its position among China’s most active private shipyards. Since September, the yard has booked more than 30 newbuildings across bulk carrier, tanker, and container segments. Over 70 vessels are currently under construction, with deliveries now stretching into 2029.
Other Greek owners are also re-engaging with the yards. Minoa Marine recently confirmed an order for an 82,000 dwt kamsarmax at Japan’s Oshima Shipbuilding. The company’s debut newbuilding project will see the vessel delivered in the first quarter of 2028.
